Difference in Tow Bar Wiring Kits for 2017 Ford Explorer

Question:

Thank you so much for the info. My last question would be about your recommended tow bar. I was looking at the blue ox tow bar as I thought it was sufficient for my Ford Explorer. You are saying this does not work properly with the base plate? I only ask cause there is about a $300 difference in the tow bars. Thank you much as you answered all my other questions.

asked by: Matt B

Expert Reply:

I'm glad to hear that you are doing your research when it comes to flat towing your 2017 Ford Explorer, there are several components needed and it can be a lot to figure out.

The main difference between Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 and the Tow Ready Tail Light Isolating Diode System with 4-Pole Connector # TR118821 is how they install, and what is included. The # RM-15267 kit comes with 4 separate diodes, 27' of wire, connectors, a 6 way plug to mount on the front of your Explorer and an umbilical cord to attach to the coach.

The Tow Ready system # TR118821 is a kit that uses 2 diodes with a Y harness to install. It does not have an umbilical cord, and has a 4 flat connector on it. Both kits work in the same way, but take a different approach of how they install. A diode kit takes the signals from your motor home, transfers them through the umbilical, through the plug mounted to the front of your Explorer back to the diodes that get wired into the tail lights. So when you have your lights on your motor home, your explorer will mirror them exactly. As far as the third brake light being illuminated, neither of the kits will illuminate it without additional parts and wiring it into the bulbs.

For a complete flat tow set up I'll list my recommendations :

Base plate - which engine your Explorer has and whether or not it has the adaptive cruise control and active grill shutters will be the deciding factor. If you don't have the EcoBoost engine, then # RM-524453-5 is recommended and will work with both active shutters and adaptive cruise. If you Explorer does not have Active Air Shutters # RM-524446-5, and if your Explorer doesn't have Adaptive Cruise Control # RM-524445-5.

Tow bar wiring - just like the wiring kit mentioned above, but with a straight cable rather than coiled # RM-152-98146-7

Tow bar - Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-422

Safety cables - RoadMaster 76" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables # # RM-645-76

Supplemental braking system - Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 for hydraulic brakes, or Demco SBS Air Force One Supplemental Braking System # SM99243 for air brakes.

Battery disconnect - Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle # RM-766

I recommended each component so they would work together, the base plate works with the tow bar with no adapters, and the wiring, and safety cables can run through the channels on the tow bar for a clean look, and keep them off the ground. The biggest piece of advice I can give you, if you are going to install it yourself, you want to plan your install. No one wants to be in the middle of something and then realize they need something from the store.

A few supplies that will help out Loctite Threadlocker # LT37420, and LCD Digital Circuit Tester # PTW2992

I realize this is a lot of information, but I linked all the parts mentioned above and attached several videos for reference. We haven't had a 2017 Ford Explorer in the shop yet. You should also check out the help articles I linked, they have a ton of useful information.

expert reply by: Robert C

Matt B.

1/1/0001

Robert C.

2/5/2020

That's a good question. The Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX88185 is a sufficient tow bar for your Explorer; it requires an adapter to use with the any of the Roadmaster base plates. I prefer to use the same brand tow bar as the base plate and not use adapters. So long as the tow bar is non-binding, and is rated for the weight of your Explorer I think it's a good choice. The non-binding means it's that much easier to unhook. Hooking up to the Explorer won't be an issue, but once you get where you're going and go to unhook, if the car is on uneven ground it can be very difficult to remove the pins and release the tow bar from the base plate. The non-binding tow bars have a lever built into the arm that releases all the tension so you can easily remove the pins. The Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-522 is another option. It is very similar to the BlackHawk 2 All Terrain # RM-422, but has a 6,000 lbs rating and is very comparable to the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar.